Lessons from Everyday Life

Thank you for stopping by today. My line of work means I work with mature adults about 60/70% of the time. In working with them, I have learnt some truly amazing things about life and have received some good pieces of advice which I will share with you.

Strange as it , as I hardly have conversations deeper than brushing the surface, I have really learnt some insightful things.

1. Love is BLIND – it warms my heart when couples who have been married for 30/40 or more years come to appointments together. It’s most likely these people don’t look exactly the same as when they first got together but they still love each other. It’s so nice to see that love can last for so long. Admittedly , it seems to get better. It can be very bittersweet when people may come in after a partner has passed on – it shows how fond they were of their partner and how strong the bond of love is.

2.Leave a legacy – a lot of these people have children who now take care of them, some of them help look after grandchildren, some go and visit but regardless, I’m sure if they are no longer around, they have left a permanent mark on the lives of the people around them.

3. Learn to appreciate the little things – the people that go out of their way to help you, people that go the extra mile for you, appreciate them. We receive many biscuits, chocolates, cakes and cards from people who just wanted to say thank you.

4. The number one thing I’m told at work is to “enjoy life while you are young” – this is so stark because these people have lived for a long time and are in a good place to tell me that. Who better to advise you on living life than someone who has been where you are.

5. Have children – this one is more something I have observed than have been told. Having children doesn’t necessarily mean biological kids alone (though they do count). It could be extended family, family friend, adopted child, or someone you mentor. I realise how much children (biological or not) are willing to do/give for their parents/parent figures.

6. Look after your health while you are young – this is another one I have seen more than been told. I have learnt the importance of looking after your health while you are young as it seems health has a cumulative effect, so good and/or bad things will build up over time.